Dr Phillip Lee, Conservative

I am a medical doctor. My professional values are the same as my political values. My Conservatism is about policies to benefit all people.

My candidacy in Blaenau Gwent is about creating a brighter future for all of the electorate.

Some people are beginning to wonder what a century of socialism has done for Blaenau Gwent. I fail to see what socialism has delivered.

The people of Blaenau Gwent have chosen to elect a Labour MP at every General Election. What do they have to show for it? A health service failing to provide proper care - 1 in 10 of the Welsh population are on a waiting list.

Anti-social behaviour is on the increase - who feels safe at night in Cwm and Ebbw Vale? Council tax has increased on average by 79% in Wales since 1997 - why is there litter everywhere? Little, if any, sustainable economic development is visible.

A Conservative government would provide money to put more police on the streets. A Conservative government would increase the health budget.

A Conservative government would pressurise the Labour Welsh Assembly to reduce council tax for the elderly. A Conservative government would stimulate regional investment by creating the right business environment for sustainable employment in Blaenau Gwent.

While out canvassing many people have asked what I would do for Blaenau Gwent. To start with, I would be the first local MP to be honest with the people.

Remember Michael Foot in Ebbw Vale steelworks in 1974? The world has changed.

The industry that the region once relied upon will not come back. Even Peter Law, a man for whom I have an enormous amount of respect, cannot hold back the irrepressible and relentless march of technological progress.

Future prosperity for Blaenau Gwent will come from new technology.

Encouraging the people to set up small businesses should be the role of any responsible government. Proper government should not be about subsidising those companies with no future. The global economy no longer allows this outdated, interventionist approach.

It is time to be honest with the people of Blaenau Gwent. When you vote on May 5, think of the future, not the past. Think of the future of your children and grandchildren.

Take a look around at where you are and ask yourself which party is strong enough and bold enough to create a bright future for Blaenau Gwent.

Don't just vote Labour because your mum and dad did.